The Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador Program is designed to provide youth with an opportunity to become actively involved in the pork industry. The program will help youth develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members. It is an opportunity to learn about pork production and the industry and to improve communication and leadership skills.

The main goal of the Youth Pork Ambassador is to promote the Missouri Pork Association and the pork industry at various events. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience and develop relationships that will last a lifetime. The Ambassador will also receive a $1,000 scholarship, payable to a technical school, community college or 4-year University at the end of the program.

Hailee Beemer

Maryville, Missouri

Hailee Beemer, a senior at Maryville High School, has been selected as one of the 2017 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. Her selection was announced during the 2017 Missouri Pork Expo on February 7 in Columbia.

Hailee is the daughter of James and Johnna Beemer from Maryville. She currently works at Beemer & Render Redline Accessories & Glasses as secretary. She has also provided childcare for family friends, and worked on a local farm where she keeps her show pigs.

At school, Hailee is an active member of the Maryville FFA, Competition Dance, LEO Club and National Honors Society.

After graduation, Hailee will attend Northwest Missouri State University where she plans to double major in agribusiness and animal science.

Sara Gammon

Drexel, Missouri

Sara Gammon, a senior at Drexel High School, has been selected as one of the 2017 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. Her selection was announced during the 2017 Missouri Pork Expo on February 7 in Columbia.

Sara is the daughter of Brian and Tanya Gammon from Drexel. She is the owner of Sara?셲 Swine, where she raises and sells butcher hogs to community members, and handles all marketing, financial planning, advertising and consumer communication. She also works for Seba Bros. Farms in Cleveland and C&S Custom Homes.

At school, Sara has been very active in the Drexel FFA, and is currently the Missouri FFA Area VII Vice President. She received the Missouri FFA Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award in 2016, and was named a World Food Prize/Global Youth Institute Borlaug Scholar. She is also involved in FBLA, National Honor Society, Student Council and South Fork Baptist Church.

After graduation, Sara plans to attend a 4-year university to double major in agribusiness and agricultural communications.

Makayla Vandiver

Cabool, Missouri

Makayla Vandiver, a senior at Cabool High School, has been selected as one of the 2017 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. Her selection was announced during the 2017 Missouri Pork Expo on February 7 in Columbia.

Makayla is the daughter of Johnnie and Jodie Vandiver 혻from Cabool. She currently works on the family farm where they raise chickens and ducks to sell to community members, and operate a road side produce stand. Makayla also assists with raising and showing hogs.

At school, Makayla is active in the Cabool FFA chapter and National Honor Society. She also plays softball.

After graduation, Makayla will attend Missouri State University in Springfield where she plans to to obtain degrees in agriculture education and agribusiness.